Chapter 241 - Eleventh Disciple (1/2)
The Zhou Clan did things thoughtfully and even provided an honor guard of cavalry for Elder Mo and his guests. It wasn't really necessary as nobody would dare think of causing trouble so close to the immortal valley. However, it was symbolic and a matter of reputation and respect. If the ordinary mortal citizens of the land saw this procession, they would instantly recognize it. This was a symbol of Ten Thousand Flower Valley's power and status. Zhou Ziyun understood that such things needed to be displayed for everyone to see.
The convoy made the trip along the Dragon River on well-maintained gravel roads. Special care was made for this vital pathway between the sect and the teleportation array in Thousand Flower Town. It did not take long and they were soon in Dragon River Town, the last stop for common people. No one except people of the sect and those given specific permission were allowed past this point.
The town had not really grown much from its initial size. The sect was still small and did not need much to maintain. Most of the residents were families of servants and female guards that served inside the sect.
Chen Wentian, as Chen Mo, made everyone get off the carriages. Bei Yingluo and her family gathered around him with bright and eager faces.
”Ahem… This is Dragon River Town.” He said, ”Yingluo will live in the sect for her training but you all can live here. She can come visit when she has time.”
He turned to Bei Rongyin, the mother. ”The sect master is extremely happy to receive Yingluo as his disciple. As a symbol of his gratitude, here.”
He gestured to some of the Zhou Clan people who came forward with a small treasure chest. They arrived in front of Bei Rongyin and opened it to reveal a glittering mountain of money.
”Ten thousand taels of gold. It's yours and your clan members. Zhou Futing, house them in the inn for now and have a new mansion built for them.”
”Yes, Elder Mo!”
This Zhou Clan person was the mayor of the town.
”Immortal Elder…” Bei Yingluo's mother spoke, ”Thank you.”
”Thank you, immortal!”
The other women also thanked him in earnest. He happily received their graciousness for a while and finally sent them on their way. Bei Yingluo watched them leave with the mayor with sad eyes.
”The sect is only a short horse ride away. You'll be able to see them often.” He reminded her gently.
”Mmmm.” She nodded.
”Good, let's go. Your master is expecting you, as well as your eager senior sisters.”
”Really?”
He replied by simply hugging her waist and they took off into the air.
They went low and slow, following the river up through the mouth of the valley. The green forests eventually opened to fields that were cleared to cultivate flowers as well as precious herbs. The river got narrower and narrower until vast mountains appeared. At the foot of the hills, they descended to a manor that was nestled within the fields and trees.
They landed in the main courtyard. Right in front of the main hall was a man with a familiar face.
Bei Yingluo stared at this person in surprise. He looked exactly like Elder Mo! It was not a simple similarity. Their features, their stature, and their presence were exactly the same. The only difference was the pure blue flame that danced around this man's body that was dangerous yet beautiful.
”Wha…” She looked towards Elder Mo for help only to find that he was no longer there.
Instead of a man, there was an ink-black fox the size of a large dog. If it were not for the shiny eyes, it would have been like staring into a dark fox-shaped pit.
”Don't be afraid, Yingluo.” Chen Wentian said.
”What is going on?” She asked.
”I was just teasing you a little.” He chuckled, ”Look at Chen Mo again.”
She watched in astonishment as Chen Mo morphed into his human and back several times.
”Chen Mo is my shadow fox. An immortal origin beast. You know what that is, right?”